Chapter Text
Haruchiyo was sat on a chair impatiently fiddling with his glass.
Behind the counter in front of him was a dear friend of his, Shinichiro had dark hair gelled back and a flashy, too bright for Haru’s eyes, bartender costume, he adjusted his golden suspenders and continued to try and impress Haru with his bartending skills, Haru watched with an unimpressed face, Shin had tried the same trick four times already, miserably failing and spilling water all over the counter and the floor. (he didn’t want to waste any of Takeomi’s alcohol yet.)
Haru was kind of glad Shinichiro had found a way to steal all of his sad excuse-of-a-brother’s drinks, he dreaded having to deal with a drunk Takeomi after coming from whatever place Haru decided would be best to distance himself from his family.
Upbeat music was playing from the stereo in the living room, making the house feel more alive. Haru could hear footsteps coming from upstairs, probably Mikey still trying to get his costume on; Haruchiyo couldn’t really recall how and why he decided that coming to the Sano house before everyone else would be a good idea. Shin always had this relieved, comforted look on his face when he saw Haru, almost like all of his worries were gone as soon as Haru entered the door.
Haruchiyo knew that Shin had entrusted Mikey’s safety to him and somehow everytime Haru recalled the memories of what had happened that… awful day on the 30th of July, where they were both unable to stop the dreadful incident happening. He holds that responsibility and promise close to him, always keeping an eye out for any possible danger.
‘Hey Haru, I need to ask you to do me a favour tonight.’ Shinichiro spoke, breaking his train of thoughts, Haru was kind of grateful he did.
Haru nodded, the side of his hair falling on his face, covering half of his face once more.
He already knew what Shin was about to ask him.
‘I know I’ve asked you this before but…’ Shin was hesitant with his words, he rubbed the back of his head before giving Haru a hopeful look.
‘Please take care of Mikey tonight, he might get in trouble.’
Knew it.
Haru never minded taking care of Manjirou, he had grown a special attachment to him and was always willing to follow in his steps, it became like second nature for him to look after his king’s every move. Almost like a bodyguard. There was no need for Shin to ask him again, but he didn’t blame him for being over-protective after what he went though.
‘You know I will, Shinichiro-Kun.’ Haru replied slurring his words, his mouth felt dry and he couldn’t stop from heating up whenever he had to reassure Shin he’d keep his promise.
Shinichiro smiled, he started cleaning up the last pair of glasses, before a bright red figure hopped in the kitchen without any warning, starling them both.
‘I’m done!’ Mikey placed both of his fists at his sides and showed off his red riding hood costume Emma brought him a few years ago. Haru remembers how bad Mikey disliked the idea of dressing up as red riding hood, he remembers the echoes of Baji’s laughter filling up the entire room and Mikey’s face turning as red as his costume. Emma was in awe, and Haru was utterly speechless.
Mikey despised the costume but now it was almost like tradition and he was forced to wear it every Halloween. Mikey somehow didn’t mind this time and instead decided to show it off to them. It was a pity he didn’t keep the skirt since it got too short, although he did keep the cape and the tiny bow at his neck which made Mikey look so… free and feminine, Haru aspired to be as confident as him but considering a dozen people were going to come through that door soon, Haru decided he’d stick to his ‘Edward Scissorhands’ costume he had provided himself, it was honestly just another idea of the two Haitanis although Haru didn’t hate the thought of wearing a simple black overall and leather gloves.
He didn’t notice how much he was staring at Mikey until he snapped back into it when Mikey asked him what he thought about the costume.
‘Haruchiyo, you’re so out of it today.’ Shin mentioned.
‘Did you give him too much to drink already Shin?’ Mikey laughed with an unimpressed look. ‘I told you to wait for the others to start making cocktails big bro.’
Haru grinned, and shook his head quickly. ‘No, no you got it wrong Mikey I’m not drunk already!’
His hair still covered half of his face but he knew it was useless to try and push them out of the way.
‘I think your costume is lovely Mikey.’ Haru grinned, ‘especially the little bow.’
‘I know you wish I kept the skirt so you could mock me!’ Mikey pointed at him accusingly.
Haru did wish he kept it, but not particularly to make fun of it… he could never admit this in front of Mikey. So he just laughed the accusation off.
Then they heard a loud knock on the front door and Mikey rushed to open it and welcome every guest in.
The first ones to come in were Baji and Chifuyu, along with Takemichi, Hinata and Draken. Mikey was so happy to see all of them that he started jumping around in excitement like a little kid. Haruchiyo knew about all of the undeniable, special bonds Mikey created with literally anyone he met, Mikey was just like that ever since he was a kid, always the centre of attention, and always able to make his heart soar in admiration for no specific reason.
Shin and Haru took a moment to admire everyone’s costumes, Takemichi’s awkward self was a vampire, Hinata had a pretty fancy witch costume on, Draken’s made Haru snort but he held it in since he wasn’t looking for a fight just yet. Draken really chose to dress as Frankenstein and for some reason it really suited him, in a funny way.
Baji and Chifuyu chose to dress up as a mix of cats and other felines Haru could not tell, they both suited their costumes a bit too well, even though Chifuyu had already lost his tail somewhere and Baji was missing one of his ears, it was a funny sight.
They could hear Emma sprinting down the stairs to come and welcome her friends, it was obvious who she was looking for but she had not mustered up the courage to go straight to Draken, instead she went to hug Hina, Emma looked stunning in that bright Red Devil costume, it might have been a Sano thing to dress in bright red for Halloween.